LINDA PAYNE

Tis the season for giving and holiday wish lists, even for the area's non-profit organizations.

As programs like the Lenoir Soup Kitchen, South Caldwell Christian Ministries, Yokefellow and the Shelter Home of Caldwell County strive to meet the growing needs of their clients, they often depend on the community to provide them with the necessary tools. Staff at area organizations said they have many volunteers who are eager to help those in need. But, this holiday season, donations are needed the most.

They said food and clothing items are flying off the shelves faster than ever before, and pots of money used to assist with winter bills are drying up. They also are struggling to collect enough toys to give to families in need this holiday season, which is where the Caldwell community can help.

"We are always in need of items to help those in our community, and my wish this Christmas is that people will reach out and help those in need," said Becky Barlow, SCCM executive director. "We aren't asking people to spend a lot of money because we know the economy is tough, but there are people out there who can't afford to go Christmas shopping or put food on the table. We should do our part to help this holiday season."

Eager to get involved? Here are just a few of the items needed at area organizations:

Lenoir Soup Kitchen

The Lenoir Soup Kitchen is in need of a variety of non-perishable foods and cleaning supplies. Staff members said their greatest needs are pasta sauce, whole cans of potatoes, sugar, greens, carrots, Kool-Aid and coffee. They also need beans, mixed vegetables and canned fruit.

As for supplies, staff members said they could use heavy duty paper plates and cups, forks, bowls and dessert plates. They also need 50- or 60-pound trash bags and aluminum foil. In addition, they are looking for napkins, cooking sprays and oil, aprons and dish rags.

Last year, the agency served 26,654 meals. Through the end of November this year, that total already was at 26,551, showing the need for assistance.

Donations are accepted between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Soup Kitchen, which is located at 1113 College Ave. SW. Monetary donations also can be mailed to PO Box 1054, Lenoir, NC 28645.

For more information, call (828) 758-1411.

Shelter Home of Caldwell County

Staff members at the Shelter Home of Caldwell County have created a holiday wish list to help residents feel at home this season. Items on the list include gift cards, turkeys or hams, and new kitchen items. They also are looking for new or slightly used toys, new pajamas for women and children, stockings, Christmas tree lights, stocking stuffers and batteries.

Donations are accepted Monday through Friday at the home. Staff members ask that people call the Shelter Home at (828) 758-0888 ahead of time to protect the privacy of the residents. Donations also can be mailed to PO Box 426, Lenoir, NC 28645.

South Caldwell Christian Ministries

South Caldwell Christian Ministries needs assistance on two separate projects this holiday season. Barlow said the agency is in need of toys for children of all ages, as well as canned fruit and mixed nuts. They will be part of food boxes given away this Christmas. People are asked to submit these items by Sunday, Dec. 13 so staff and volunteers can organize them before giving them away later in the week. SCCM also needs new or gently used coats for people of all ages.

Donations are accepted at South Caldwell Christian Ministries, located at 5 Quarry Road, Granite Falls, on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and noon and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. They also are accepted between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesdays. Monetary donations can be mailed to PO Box 359, Granite Falls, NC 28630.

For more information, call (828) 396-4000.

Yokefellow Christian Service

Yokefellow Christian Service is in need of a variety of items this winter. Executive Director Harriet Hailey said they have an on-going need for non-perishable, nutritious food, as well as meats to put in their freezer. She also said they need personal hygiene items, such as shampoo, toothpaste, diapers and other personal items that food stamps don't buy.

Hailey said they need coats for all ages and clothing for children ranging in age from toddlers to teenagers in their thrift store. She also said they need money to help pay fuel costs and other winter bills for their clients.

Donations are accepted at the store, located at 1602 Harper Ave., NW, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 9 a.m. and noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Donations also can be mailed to PO Box 2422, Lenoir, NC 28645.

For more information, call (828) 754-7088.